2012 NFL Draft – Top Pass Catchers

Wide Receivers

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State (6-1, 207): Blackmon is an extremely strong player who is aggressive at when the ball is in the air. He makes difficult catches look easy. Despite his size and lack of top-end speed, he shows incredibly good lateral quickness. He plays with the intensity needed to succeed at the next level, and often came up with clutch plays in big moments. Prediction: Top-10

2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame (6-3, 220): Floyd is moving quickly up draft boards after a fantastic Combine performance. Floyd was extremely productive during his career with the Fighting Irish, catching 37 touchdowns during his four years. Certainly has the look of a #1 wide receiver. Was charged with a DUI in 2010 which forced him to miss Notre Dame’s spring practice. Despite the slipup, Floyd is often characterized as a philanthropic person.Prediction: 1st Round

3. Kendall Wright, Baylor (5-10, 196): Ran a 4.41 40 at his senior day, solidifying his spot as the best burner in the draft. Was extremely productive during his time with Baylor, although it doesn’t hurt to have RG3 throwing you the ball. Caught an absurd 108 passes for an average of 15 yards a catch. Does not have great height and has surprisingly tiny hands. Makes too many body catches. Played on the Baylor basketball team in 2008. Prediction: 1st Round

4. Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech (6-4, 215): Was not very productive in the Yellow Jackets’ run-heavy offense, but fellow GT alum Demaryius Thomas showed receivers from the system can translate. Hill is physically imposing and ran a lighting quick 4.36 40 at the Combine. Still has a lot of refining to do in his route running, but someone will fall in love with his combination of size and speed. Prediction: Late 1st, Early 2nd Round

5. Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina (6-3, 216): Actually hurt his draft stock by not coming out last year. Played much heavier than his Combine weight, and will have to keep the pounds off for him to succeed at the next level. Runs some sloppy route and his speed prevents him from separating completely from corners. Displays great hands and displays the ability to catch the ball at its highest point. Considered a hard worker by coaches, who also rave about his leadership. Prediction: 2nd Round

Tight Ends

1. Coby Fleener, Stanford (6-6, 247): Has great potential, although his stats for the Cardinal do not blow you away. Was injured at during the Combine, but cemented his spot as the top TE prospect with a fantastic pro day. Is best when using is speed and athleticism in the middle of the field. A good blocker, but has room to improve in this department. Fleener will benefit from an underwhelming draft class and could even sneak into the end of the first round if a team falls in love with him. Prediction: 2nd Round

2. Dwayne Allen, Clemson (6-3, 255): Has promise, but definitely hurt his draft stock by running slow at the Combine. If you go by the tape, Allen has the potential to be a beast. He’s a dangerous receiver and shows surprising quickness in his routes. Has upside as a blocker because of his strength, but still needs to work on technique. Will also need to give a more consistent effort. Prediction: 2nd Round

3. Orson Charles, Georgia (6-2, 251): Very productive career for the Bulldogs, Charles played in all 40 games during his career. Does not have great height for the position, and will need to bulk up. Plays faster on tape than his 4.70 40 at the Combine. Arrested and charged for a DUI in March of 2012. Any time a player has off the field problems right before the draft, you have to question his decision making. Prediction: 3rd Round

4. Michael Egnew, Missouri (6-5, 252): Egnew has good height and bulk, and showed off excellent speed during his pro day. He looks extremely comfortable running routes and can make every kind of catch. Shows an elite ability to stretch the middle of the field and is fearless going up for the ball. Lined up mostly off the line, so his biggest area of concern is with his blocking. This area needs a lot of work. Prediction: 3rd Round

5. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette (6-6, 237): One of the better pass catching prospects in the draft, but needs to add quite a bit of weight before he sees regular playing time. Reportedly has tendonitis in his knees and had trouble staying on the field in college. Like Egnew, has plenty to room to grow as a blocker. Prediction: 4th Round